MKS Instruments Inc (MKSI)vsMesa Laboratories Inc (MLAB)
MKSI
MKS Instruments Inc
$243.68
+0.05%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $16.38B
MLAB
Mesa Laboratories Inc
$83.60
+3.04%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $455.25M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
MKS Instruments Inc generates 1488% more annual revenue ($3.93B vs $247.54M). MKSI leads profitability with a 7.5% profit margin vs 1.5%. MKSI trades at a lower P/E of 55.9x. MKSI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
MKSI
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
MLAB
Hold38
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-64.0%
Fair Value
$158.01
Current Price
$243.68
$85.67 premium
Margin of Safety
-1964.0%
Fair Value
$4.42
Current Price
$83.60
$79.18 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
No standout strengths identified
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
7.5% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
3.6% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 2.2% — below average capital efficiency
1.5% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MKSI
Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MLAB
The strongest argument for MLAB centers on Price/Book.
Bear Case : MKSI
The primary concerns for MKSI are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 55.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.76 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MLAB
The primary concerns for MLAB are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. A P/E of 126.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MKSI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.92 — expect wider price swings.
MKSI is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.
MKSI generates stronger free cash flow (91M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MKSI scores higher overall (55/100 vs 38/100) and 10.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
MKS Instruments Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA
MKS Instruments, Inc. provides instruments, systems, subsystems, and process control solutions that measure, monitor, deliver, analyze, power, and control critical parameters of manufacturing processes globally. The company is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts.
Visit Website →Mesa Laboratories Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA
Mesa Laboratories, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets quality control instruments and disposable products in the United States, Europe, Asia, North America, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado.
Compare with Other SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?